Real Madrid had to come from a goal down to beat Deportivo La Coruña 1-2 on Saturday, but more serious was a stupid second booking for Di Maria just before the final whistle which means he will miss the match with Barcelona next Saturday.
Riki gave Deportivo a first half lead and it wasn’t until the second period that Kaka and then Higuain found the net to spare Real’s blushes.
With just a minute of normal time remaining, Di Maria stood his ground when the referee ordered him to move back from a free kick and he was duly booked and, being his second booking of the match, was ordered from the field of play.
Meanwhile, Barcelona keep rolling on towards the title with a 2-1 win over Sevilla. Botia gave Sevilla the lead in the 42nd minute but Villa and Messi turned things around in the second half with a goal each.
Valencia scraped a draw at Real Zaragoza, having to come back from two goals down. Apoño scored from the penalty spot after just five minutes and Helder Postiga extended their lead but Valencia pulled one back before the break courtesy of Jonas.
And it was Jonas once more who grabbed the equaliser in the second half.